Bond Set For Man Accused Of Arson That Displaced 14 People
GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - A man accused of starting a fire at a duplex in Lakewood appeared in court on Wednesday.
Christopher Magana, 27, is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and arson.
The fire started early Tuesday morning at a home at 5600 West 5th Avenue. When firefighters arrived, the front of the duplex was fully engulfed in flames, as was a vehicle parked in front of the building.
Magana's ex-girlfriend believes she was the target of the attack. According to police records, Magana started the first under the gas tank and engine of the woman's car. That woman told police about a string of threatening texts just before the fire started.
In February, police were called to Magana's home after an incident where he allegedly threatened her and struck her several times. Domestic violence charges were not filed in connection with that incident.
Neighbors raced to help the families trapped by the flames, handing children over a fence to safety.
Fourteen people were displaced from the home. According to the American Red Cross, the fire displaced nine adults, four children and a dog. Everyone escaped without major injury but the duplexes were destroyed.
On Wednesday a judge set his bond at $500,000. Magana is scheduled to return to court next week.